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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
What to know about it
What is RPL?
Who can benefit from RPL?
What types of learning does RPL consider?
What kind of evidence is required for RPL?
Contact Information
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that assesses the knowledge, skills, and experience you've already acquired, regardless of how you learned them. This can include formal education (classes, degrees), work experience, volunteer work, certifications, or even hobbies and personal projects. Through RPL, you can potentially gain credit or exemptions from parts of a program (like a degree or training course) if your existing skills and knowledge demonstrate you've already mastered the learning objectives. In simpler terms, RPL gives you credit for what you already know, saving you time and money while still achieving your educational goals.
Who can benefit from RPL?
RPL is a great option for a variety of individuals, especially those with experience in the skilled trades. Here are some examples:
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Solar Energy Professionals:
Electricians or solar panel installers with hands-on experience can potentially earn credits for electrical technology courses through RPL. Those with experience in roofing or construction may be able to get credit for relevant aspects of the Solar Energy Installations course.
Bricklayers and Stone Masons:
Individuals with a background in construction or related fields may be able to claim RPL credits for their bricklaying or masonry skills.
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Electricians:
Qualified electricians can potentially earn RPL credits for their electrical knowledge and experience, putting them ahead in our Electrical Technology program.
Plumbers and Pipefitters:
Licensed plumbers and pipefitters with existing knowledge can get RPL credits for relevant Plumbing and Pipefitting courses.
Looking to enter a new trade but have transferable skills? Someone with experience in electrical wiring might be able to apply those skills towards the Solar Energy Installations program, even if they haven't worked specifically in solar energy.
Not sure if your experience qualifies? We encourage you to contact us for an assessment. They can review your background and advise you on how RPL can benefit your educational journey.
What types of learning does RPL consider?
Our RPL process considers a wide range of learning experiences that demonstrate you possess the knowledge and skills outlined in our course curriculum.
Here are some examples:
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Work Experience: Paid or volunteer work experiences that demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge. Be prepared to provide documentation like letters of employment, reference contacts, or project descriptions.
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Industry Certifications: Licenses, certifications, or professional designations relevant to the program's learning objectives.
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Military Training: Skills and knowledge gained through military service can be applicable to various programs at Fountain Gate.
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Professional Development Courses: Courses or workshops you've taken that align with the program's curriculum.
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Independent Learning: Self-directed learning experiences like online courses, personal projects, or hobbies that demonstrate relevant skills. Be prepared to provide evidence like portfolios, project descriptions, or online certificates.
Remember the key is to show how your prior learning experiences equip you with the knowledge and abilities required to succeed in our programs.
What kind of evidence is required for RPL?
To demonstrate your prior learning and qualify for RPL, you'll need to provide evidence that supports your claims. The specific types of evidence will vary depending on your experience.:
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1. Formal Documents:
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Copies of degrees, diplomas, certificates, or transcripts that showcase relevant coursework.
Industry certifications or licenses related to the program's learning objectives.
Military service records (if applicable).
2. Work Experience Documentation:
Letters of employment from past employers verifying your work experience and responsibilities.
Reference contact information for past supervisors who can speak to your skills.
Project descriptions or reports that detail your specific contributions and accomplishments.
3. Evidence of Independent Learning:
Portfolios showcasing your work, such as for photography, graphic design, or construction projects.
Descriptions of your self-directed learning experiences, including online courses, workshops, or personal projects.
Certificates or completion records from online courses.
General Tips for Evidence:
Authenticity: Ensure all documentation is original or certified copies.
Relevance: Clearly demonstrate how the evidence connects to the specific skills and knowledge required in the program.
Currency: If your experience is older, highlight how you've maintained those skills or how they remain relevant to the current industry standards.
Clarity: Organize your evidence neatly and logically for easy review by the RPL assessors.
Contact
Contact us for guidance on what documentation would best support your RPL application for our programs at Fountain Gate.
+260779674453